[Vena cava superior thrombosis following placement of internal jugular vein catheter (author's transl)].

Internal jugular vein puncture is suggested to be the safest route for placement of central venous catheter. One advantage is the lack of ensuing thrombosis. However, the case described demonstrates the occurrence of this complication. A 72-year old female developed severe thrombosis of the vena cava superior 5 days after placement of an internal jugular vein catheter. Thrombectomy was successfully performed during extracorporal circulation.